Name: Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1½ tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp cilantro (leaves & stems), chopped; 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced; 1 small white onion, thinly sliced; 6–8 corn tortillas; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; Cooking spray; Shredded lettuce & lime wedges, for serving; 1 large avocado; 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (leave seeds for extra heat); ½ cup water; ¼ cup cilantro (leaves & stems), chopped; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp salt

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

✔️ Easy Dinner Idea – Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal.
✔️ Baked, Not Fried – All the crispy goodness without the mess of frying.
✔️ Big Batch Friendly – Great for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for the next day.
✔️ Flavor Explosion – Smoky poblano peppers, bold spices, and a zesty, creamy salsa make every bite a flavor-packed experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tacos:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp cilantro (leaves & stems), chopped
2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
6–8 corn tortillas
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Cooking spray
Shredded lettuce & lime wedges, for serving

For the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa:

1 large avocado
1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
½ cup water
¼ cup cilantro (leaves & stems), chopped
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa

Instructions

1. Make the Salsa:

In a food processor, blend the avocado, jalapeño, water, cilantro, vinegar, and salt until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic, cilantro, poblanos, and onion. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–22 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix with the roasted veggies.

3. Assemble the Tacos:

Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the tortillas on the baking sheet, spray one side with cooking spray, flip them, and bake for 2–3 minutes to soften. Remove them from the oven and layer each tortilla with a generous amount of cheese, followed by the shredded chicken mixture, and more cheese. Fold the tortillas over and press gently to seal them.

4. Bake the Tacos:

Bake the tacos for 15–17 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy.

5. Serve:

Top the tacos with the chilled avocado-jalapeño salsa and shredded lettuce. Add a squeeze of lime for extra freshness and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Don’t overstuff the tortillas: Overstuffing can cause the tacos to unfold. Keep the filling evenly distributed and use enough cheese to help seal the tortillas.
Work quickly while the tortillas are warm: This will help keep them flexible enough to fold without breaking.
Make-ahead tip: Prep the chicken and salsa up to 2 days in advance to save time on taco night.

Why This Recipe Works

These tacos combine convenience and bold, restaurant-level flavor. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and pairs beautifully with the smoky poblano peppers, while the cheese adds that irresistible melty factor. Baking the tacos keeps them crispy without the mess of frying, and the avocado-jalapeño salsa adds a creamy, spicy kick that makes the dish stand out. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breasts, be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking.

Can I make these tacos with flour tortillas?

While corn tortillas are recommended for their crispy texture, you can use flour tortillas as well. Just be sure to follow the same baking instructions to get a crispy result.

Can I make the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time. Shred it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely! These tacos are very customizable. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even pickled onions for extra flavor.

How spicy is the avocado-jalapeño salsa?

The heat level of the salsa will depend on how much jalapeño you use and whether you keep the seeds in or remove them. For a milder version, deseed the jalapeño, and for extra heat, leave the seeds in or add more jalapeños.

Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salsa a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking when folding?

Make sure the tortillas are warm when folding them. If they are too stiff, they will crack. Warm them in the oven as described in the recipe to make them more pliable.

Conclusion

These Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa are a perfect balance of bold flavors and textures. With juicy chicken, smoky poblano peppers, gooey cheese, and the creamy heat of the salsa, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them an ideal meal for any occasion. Try them tonight and enjoy a taco night that’s anything but ordinary!